A lot of people ask whether Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) actually make a difference or not. The media has stirred up some controversy about the subject lately and people want to be sure they are making a real change. Let me start by saying that the biggest difference you can make is to use less energy. The energy not used is the best kind of energy at all. And let me also say that RECs are not some kind of silver bullet that solves all your environmental problems with one easy shot. However, RECs do make a difference. They are responsible for a lot of new clean energy production coming online. They demonstrate a real viable market for renewable energy (and that gets the venture capital and deep pockets guys interested). They help educate the public about the impacts of energy choices.
At the end of the day, we will need a government mandate to move us quickly to a clean energy future. But voluntary purchasing or RECs will always have an important role to play, one step ahead of government action.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Green vs. Real Green
I'm tired of "green" companies selling all kinds of green products and services, but refusing to stand up for the thing that will really make a difference - mandatory carbon reduction legislation.
I've often heard some green companies proclaim they are not "against" coal, etc., merely "for" wind and solar. That is bunk!
Clean Currents is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with colleagues in the environmental, faith, labor and business community fighting for legislation to dramatically cut greenhouse gases.
We have testified on numerous bills to support the environment.
We are not going to solve global warming by voluntary green purchase alone. They are important. But to really solve the problem, we need to pass comprehensive legislation.
So, the next time a company tells you they are "green" or they want you to buy their green product, ask them what they are doing to help pass environmental legislation at the state or national level. If the answer is "nothing," than go elsewhere.
I've often heard some green companies proclaim they are not "against" coal, etc., merely "for" wind and solar. That is bunk!
Clean Currents is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with colleagues in the environmental, faith, labor and business community fighting for legislation to dramatically cut greenhouse gases.
We have testified on numerous bills to support the environment.
We are not going to solve global warming by voluntary green purchase alone. They are important. But to really solve the problem, we need to pass comprehensive legislation.
So, the next time a company tells you they are "green" or they want you to buy their green product, ask them what they are doing to help pass environmental legislation at the state or national level. If the answer is "nothing," than go elsewhere.
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